McCarthy in Alaska

McCarthy is a fascinating remnant of Alaska’s historic mining era. Located deep in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, McCarthy is quaint town which sprang up as a spot where miners could enjoy in its saloons, restaurants, hotels, pool halls and stores. A number of its old buildings are still in use and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An alpine paradise, it features views of the Wrangell, Chugach and St. Elias ranges within the park. The town is dotted with restaurants, cafes and many outfitters that will take visitors on a range of activities, from glacier trekking to white-water rafting to flightseeing trips over the national park. The McCarthy-Kennecott Historical Museum is a place of interest for history lovers, while the white-trimmed red buildings in the old mining ruins of Kennecott are a photographer’s dream as they stand out against a dramatic mountain-and-glacier backdrop. Several hiking trails also start from near the mine ruins, including the Root Glacier Trail, which leads directly to the Root Glacier, and the Old Mine Trail, which goes straight up a mountain to the remains of an ore loading site.